Reflections: I wonder whether you played with a magnifying glass as a child? I used to love the way that the widespread benefits of light could be focused into a clear, sharp beam. In verse 11 we find that Paul draws the general discussion of how Jesus’ life infuses his own to focus in on how it benefits the Corinthians. We discover that Paul has a clear, sharp purpose which guides his decision making and makes him wise. His endurance in-and-through many trials is not to make him stronger. It is not to beat down the world. It is not to show his superiority. Rather, it is to demonstrate
that God is truly enough for all of our human needs. And this demonstration opens the way for others to share in the life that flows from Jesus to Paul.
Questions: If someone were to ask you what your purpose in life was, how would you answer? How could you imagine life from Jesus flowing from you to others?
Prayer: God in whom we live and move and have our being, you are pleased to show your life through simple clay jars. May you so strengthen me that adversity becomes an opportunity to show that Jesus’ resurrected life, which will never spoil or fade, is active in me. Amen.